The Windsor Heights Police Department is responsible for enforcing various city ordinances regarding animals, including the leash law, vaccination and licensing requirements, the cruelty ordinance, declarations of viciousness and checking on neglected or abused animals. Officers can issue citations for violations in these cases. They also pick up loose dogs, unlicensed cats, respond to ‘barking dog’ calls and address injured animals. The City also has a cooperative agreement for services with Polk County Animal Control for those instances in which circumstances extend beyond the capabilities or resources of our patrol officers.

The Police Department is also responsible for the issuance of dog and cat licenses. All domesticated animals are required to be licensed in the City of Windsor Heights on an annual basis. Registrations are due between January 1st and March 31st each year. After March 31st the penalty will be double the registration amount. In order to obtain a license, a pet owner must present a current rabies vaccination certificate and proof of altering from your pet’s veterinarian. The annual pet license cost $15.00 for altered pets and $25.00 for unaltered pets. Should your pet become lost or you find a lost pet, please contact City Hall at 515-279-3662.

Even if registered, pets are never permitted to run at large in the city and must be on a leash or confined at all times. If a pet is at large, it will be impounded and the owner charged a fee. The impound fee and boarding fee charges are:

$75.00 for first impound

$100.00 for second and subsequent impounds

$20.00 per day boarding fee

Pet owners are required to pick up and dispose of all pet waste. Failure to comply with this ordinance is a misdemeanor.